July 12, 2024 • 17 mins
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up discuss Jon Singleton's improvement at first base following the Astros completing the series sweep over the Miami Marlins on Thursday. After the release of Jose Abreu, playing time at first base was divided between Singleton and utilityman Mauricio Dubón; however, Singleton has received the majority of the starts as of late and has provided stability at a mostly problematic position for the Astros this season. The Astros are currently on a nine-game home win streak and are two games back from the lead in the AL West. With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 30, will the Astros look to improve at first base or will Singleton remain the primary starter?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
To the neck to the Dutch roll. This is next up. You kind
of hit on everything I wanted tosay with Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy on
Sports Talk seven ninety. Definitely,you know, the more opportunities to get,
the more comfortable you get, justtrying to go out there, dude,
do a good job trying to helpour team win of ball games.
(00:21):
Anyway I can, you know,I honestly I take it bitch by bitch.
You know I had back anybody anysofic fight I can help us win.
We're half an hour into a Fridayedition. The next up here on
Sports Talk seven ninety your Home inHouston sports of course, that includes Astros
Baseball. Stros back in action tonighton Deck Show, beginning at six pm,
(00:41):
First Pitch taking place shortly after sevenNew to the station. New to
the show, Stan Fleet, meGordy him and you. Feel free to
get in touch with us courtesy ofat Sports Talk seven ninety, our social
media handle on the ACTS platform.You can also give us a shout seven
one three two one two five sevenninety. That voice was John Singleton First
Basement of the Astros as first basehas been a topic of conversation. For
(01:04):
the majority of this season, Singletonis doing I'd say, probably as good
as he can on both sides,I'd say, at the play and in
the field, and I do appreciateand respect his effort. There's a thought
that if indeed Dana Brown is ableto go grab a first basement as we
approach the trade deadline. We areunder three weeks now from the trade deadline.
(01:32):
John Singleton's still gonna be on theroster. He's not going anywhere.
So it's not like either or atleast that's how I see it. This
is finding somebody that can compliment,or better yet, somebody that's better than
Singleton that he could compliment. That'sif you're gonna make a trade for somebody,
especially somebody the caliber of Black Guerreroor Pete Lanzo, like that guy's
(01:56):
gonna be the every day first baseman. I mean, John might play once
one day a week. This iswhat I'm talking about, Yes, one
day a week at first base.But like you know, I don't think
it would necessarily be a twitch situationif it was that. Now, maybe
there's a guy that's, like,you know, there's a guy who's already
platooning on a bad team that youwould get and be a little bit of
an upgrade. But he would justpulla tune with Singleton. I can see
(02:16):
that, you know. But mypoint is Singleton's not getting released. There
are some people that he's I'm listeningto these this is what I'm saying,
so like there are some people callingit to the tenth Innis show, like,
oh, well we you know,we like John and John has been
all right, let's go to Baytownright now, east side of the city.
I hope the power was up andrunning over there. Let's go Kobe
(02:36):
in Baytown. Good morning to you, sir. Yeah, thanks Sam.
Power is back up here. It'sactually been up since Tuesday. We were
one of the one of the luckypeople. But unfortunately other people across the
other part of the city of Houstonnot as lucky. So keeping them in
our prayers and everyone of course neardowntown. But yeah, John, John
(02:59):
Singleton is a very solid first baseman. He is better than you can ask
for. So I'm second hired ofpeople saying, oh, we need to
release John Singleton. We need toget a better first baseman. John Singleton
is sort of a bridge player forsomething else, and everyone's talking about how
we need to trade for a firstbaseman. There's no need to trade for
(03:22):
a first for a first baseman.Joey Lopers go ahead, and I'm sorry
to finish that thought. You're gonnasay, Joey lowb. Joey Loperfito is
also as needed to as a firstbaseman. So John Singleton isn't going to
be around anymore. I feel likewe could just move Joey Lopafita the first
base in their future. Koby,if you, if you watch and Gordy,
(03:42):
you know, we all watch thesegames. The organization views Joey Lopafido
exclusively. Think he's played what Gordyone game at first base? They've had
every album owns an outfielder. Now, I want to ask you this,
Cobe on the way out, andthen I'll go to Gordon to finish this
question up. Kobe, and theAstros win the AL, not the Division?
(04:03):
Can they win AL and get toanother World Series with John Singleton at
first base? Do you believe that? Uh? Not John Singleton alone,
but if if John Singleton is gonnaperform like he has been all season,
then yes, I do think theAstros could win the al all right,
(04:23):
appreciate Kob and Beytown. I lookat it as the other way, like
a lot or two years ago,twenty twenty two, Martin Meldonado was batting
one eighty six. If we hadsaid that year, can this Aster's team
win a World Series with their catcherbatting one to eighty six the worst in
baseball? We you know, somepeople probably said no, But the the
(04:46):
correct answer to that is I justneed him to do something every now and
then. But really, if I'mgoing to win the World Series, it's
gotta be Al Tuo, Vey Bregman, Jordan Tucker, Peyna, It's gotta
be those guys, right. Imean Singleton again again, If you had
a great first baseman, yes hecould be. If it's a Vlad grow
yes he would absolutely be a piece. But we can't ask that John Singleton.
We're just ask him to be him. And he's doing okay. He's
(05:08):
been all the pack in baseball likehe's doing fine. So I don't think
that is gonna make or break theanswers win a World Series. To win
a World Series this year, theygot to get great pitching. The bullpen's
got to be nails and your starhitters have to be stars. The reason
in win the World Series? Lastyear, What's your Name is? Stan?
Kyle Tucker was abysmal in the postseason. If Kyle Horner was good,
(05:30):
this team maybe wins Game six orseven. This team maybe is probably back
in a World Series. So andI'm not putting it all in Kyle Tucker,
but I'm just saying those are theguys that got to perform. Single
to gives me something question. Canthe Askers win a World Series with John
single there first? Yes? Canthe Astros win a World Series if Jordon
goes one for thirty four? No, he's not. Here's why I push
back specifically this season, specifically onJohn Singleton, because we're now seeing Jordon
(05:57):
get dinged up, which we seeevery year. Tucker, what is he
going to be like? We'll offerupdates on him coming up here in just
a second. What is Tuck gonnabe like the remainder this season? Given
that I think the leg is fracturedat some point, but finally when he
gets back, Like, you canonly have a drop off at certain points.
You can have Martin Maldonaldo when yougot your and on and those other
(06:19):
guys doing what they do now.Tuck's not at his best. Yawn one
is getting nicked up. How's hegonna finish? I think if there's an
opportunity to improve first base, youdo it. We spend a lot of
time about pitching. I think theyshould do that too, Gordon, I'm
allow you to do this because yousent it to us. A man that
I used to work with, JimBowden, of we went in the Nationals
(06:42):
organization. He was the GM StanCasting was the president when I was there
at the Nationals when we were buildingNationals Park. I learned a lot from
Jim Bolden about the game of baseball. He's now with the Athletic giving his
opinions on what the Astro should do. Bolden is hearing things. Gordy,
you sent this to us. I'mgonna let you do that part. Yeah.
Just uh. He's over to theAthletic and he he kind of wrote
a little blog on each each teamin baseball and just kind of what the
(07:08):
latest rumbling thirty team stand on MLBtrade deadline moves heading into the All Star
break. Yeah, and so onthe Astros. He says, this Astro's
GM data, Brown's made it clearto other front offices. He's focused on
adding a veteran starter and impact longor short term solution at first base.
He has talked to the following Metsabout pitcher Luis Severino and first base in
(07:30):
Pete Locks. Yeah. Again,this is just discuss nothing happening gets me
excited. He has talked with theDiamondbacks about first base and Christian Walker.
He's talked with the Cubs about CodyBell and John who I believe is injured.
I think he got hurt the otherday, but we hate him.
Yeah, he had a lot tosay about the He's kind of a d
(07:50):
bag, but he's play first base. And then Andrew Vaughan of the White
Sox is the name we brought upto that we like, you know,
in all these guys different situations.You know, Pete A Lonzo is a
slugger who's you know, in ain a final year of his deal.
Andrew Vaughan is a young guy,still a team control. So I mean,
they're all different guys in the askingprice would be different on all these
(08:11):
guys, but you see it rightthere. They have had phone calls about
first baseman. Uh, and thenhe goes on to say. In terms
of starters, the askers have showninterest in Garrett Crochet, which I think
that's absolutely I mean, yeah,they're gonna go Jake Bloss, Joey Loo,
what else? The other names they'vethey've been in the mix for Eric
(08:35):
Fetti, Jack Flaherty, Chris Bassett, You say, Kacucci, Kevin Gossman,
cal Quantrell. I really like calQuanto. He's been a bad spot
in Colorado, Austin Gomber among others. But Jack Flaherty's name keeps popping up.
I think Roflow brought up his nameyesterday on Shaun Show. So that's
just you know, those are justsome of the names being flowed out there.
(08:56):
Doesn't mean the Asters are training forany of those people. It just
means they've had phone calls in conversationsand this is what Hey, what would
it take? What would it taketo get this guy? Uh? On
the way out? We'll come back. I'll take your phone call seven one
three two one two five seven ninety. The Astros injury updates we need to
get to as well. A coupleof you want to sound off on John
Singleton in his recent performance at FirstBase in absence of Jose Brady the thing
(09:18):
that jumps out there at what JimBowden of the Athletic posting and what Gordy
Jess referenced. General manager Dana Brownfocused on adding a veteran starter and impact
long or short term solution at firstbase. He's keeping all of his options
open. That is news to myears on the other side, Gordon and
(09:39):
I will continue. Let's wrap upour one on a Friday, Sports Talk
seven ninety Do it again, Ontodone, next to What's next as more
of next Up continues now on SportsTalk seven ninety home of your World Champion
Houston Astro. Yeah. Man,it's a Friday. Doesn't feel like a
(10:03):
normal week. It's been a longgas week for many of you. God
bless you. I know you stillcompromise in your living arrangements, and all
I can do is pray and supportthe people that are responsible for trying to
get you out of that situation.Hang out with us. We'll do what
we can and keep your mind offof it. Maybe you'll laugh, maybe
we'll piss you off. That's fine. It just won't be thinking about it
(10:24):
being whatever. It is. Kindof great. Overcast today, temperatures down,
not up that heat indexing up towhere it can get. Here in
the city of Houston, best cityin the country. I tell you that
each and every day. I don'tknow what the hell is going on with
y'all. Seven one three, twoone two five seven ninety we're talking Astros
baseball. We'll pivot get some textingstuff. Here in the eleven o'clock hour,
(10:46):
the Astros had won nine consecutive homegames, Gordon three game win streak,
five games above five hundred for thefirst time this season, three a
third straight series sweep at Minute MayPark, and we start talking about first
base. And John Singleton has gottenour lines lit here in the studio.
What is John Singleton somehow becoming somebleeping folk hey role in the city of
(11:07):
Houston. Well, just understand howbad the Jose Brave j was. It
was bad. John. Let's goto the phones. Go ahead, people
talking about John Singleton, Joe andclear, lay, are you John Singleton's
cousin or something? What the hellis going on with your affair with John
Singleton? I don't you know.John Singleton is a very good defensive first
(11:28):
base. No stop this. JohnSingleton is very good at anything except being
a dad. He's pretty good,very good. He's solid. Let's not
get carried away here, very solid. For he's a very solid there we
go. Now we're good, okay, And he's got a good eye at
the play. He's not a problemright now. The problem we have is
(11:50):
we need a starting picture. They'renot gonna be here, you know.
Jim Crane's got m he's not gonnapay for a first baseman and shore up
a number two, were number threeor number four starter that you look through
out the years. Let your starsbe stars. We've got a good surrounding
cast at talent, Low Perfeno,Cabbage. Let's in the other guys.
I think six through nine hitters leadthe major leagues right now in the astros
(12:13):
as far as in the top two. So let the stars be stars.
We're going to go get some pitching. Leave John single plonge platoon in Low
Perfino. I'm not a big fanof John Singles, but he's did a
good job. Appreciate Joe at clearLake again, Low Pafito's not going back
to first. That's gonna be MauricioDubon on occasion in John Singleton until they
(12:35):
go get some help. John's beenall right, y'all acting late Bertman or
something. What's going on here?Alex and guard Oaks? You ready to
put John Singleton in the Hall ofFame too? Look you're being part on.
The man was out of baseball foreight years and he came back last
(12:58):
year. He had two homers agame and that told me the man has
power. But he couldn't get anysingles. I mean, he was just
terrible. Now look at him.He's put thirty thirty five points on his
ironage. He makes spectacular plays attimes at first base, and he's got
power. I'm predicting if you givethe man a chance to seventy five with
(13:20):
homers between twenty five and thirty.Wow, he is a good, solid
man. He's matured now. Heacted like an instant, like an idiot
when he was a young player.Yes, now look at he's doing better
than McCormick or equal to what's hisname, h Jake the rake Take the
(13:41):
rake he's hitting. I mean,the man's hitting two forty five. What
he want from him? He's coming. He's proving himself. Give the man
a chan. I appreciate it.Alan and Guardoes, Gordon oh Ale,
excuse me, gordew I'm not tryingto run Singleton off the roster. I'm
just saying he's playing well, thisis the best version of Johnson Ingleton we've
seen. I'm okay with that,and that's what. But if I can
(14:03):
upgrade the position, I have tolook at that. Sure, but you
also have to have a You haveto if you're Dana Brown, you have
to be smart about it. Youknow, you can't just go whatever you
want, you know what I mean, Like you always say that. Nobody
says that, but but some fansare like that. Some fans are like
scall In Chips all In, Yeswe are, but do you also want
to be the Astros fan two yearsfrom now going he we're dead again?
(14:26):
Like we want to sustain success whilealso being super competitive. Right now,
if I can go get vlat GarrillJunior, who has another year up team
option, but I'm going to extendhim to keep him here long term,
I'm willing to go do that.So that's just one example. If there
was a way to go get him, I'm willing. I'm willing to pay
him money. Let's look at thefacts. Is he a great player?
(14:46):
Yes? Would he make you better? Yes? Okay, great. We
can all agree on that. Noone disagrees with that. The question is
what does Toronto want? And Torontoain't looking at you and going, don't
know. Chas McCormick. Sure,Dana Brown, only, it's going to
hurt when you give up something togo get a play of that magnitude,
especially with a year team control.It's going to be something and we go.
(15:07):
But I'm just telling you, yeah, you say it all the time.
Score run, score, runs BlackGarel Jr. Is going to do
better than Johnson, help us around. I'm bringing it up back to Dana
Brown was brought in here for onemajor reason to restock this farm system that
was depleted. And last year hehad to make a tough, tough,
uh you know, decision to tradeaway one of their top outfill prospects to
(15:31):
bring Justin verlanderback. I like thetrade. I'm fine with it. It
gave him a chance. It depletedone of your best prospects in the system.
And so again when we look atthis list of Jacob Melton, who's
in two A doing his thing.Bryce Matthews, your first round pick from
last year in two ATO, whocould be the future replacement at third base,
when Bregman leaves, like aj blueBall, who's doing great Triple A
(15:54):
like, these are all pieces I'drather, you know, given the option,
I want to hold on to theseguys. I want to hold on
a lot, Brafito. I'm aboutwhat reasonably can I do to get another
championship over thatt minute may Park,because that's what these fans, including Garrett
and Green's point. They pay theirmoney and they use their time that could
be allotted to other places to supportthis team. Garrett and grease Port,
(16:15):
you're next up. How's it going, guys? Right? What up?
Uh? So, what I'm heresaying is we're talking about these big first
basement names Lattie, Pete Alonso.But yeah, I mean we're gonna have
to give up a lot of talent, which we've already given up when we
see some clear issues in the startingpitching role with the injuries and I mean,
don't get me started on Lance mccullors, but you know we're seeing low
(16:38):
Perfedo in the outfield making catches ofthe year. We don't need him in
the infield. Let's keep him inthe outfield at the backup piece when Kyle
Tucker's not in there. But whenyou're looking at John Singleton, he's gotten
fifty points better than each of hislast best seasons, and I can only
see I mean, I don't knowabout you guys, but I could see
in the playoffs, John Singleton hittinga big nuke up in the right field
(16:59):
when we need it. So Idon't see us needing to really go get
active at the first base position.But when we're talking about the starting pitching
role, I think the Garrett Crochetes. I mean, that's a big guy.
But maybe looking at some other bignames at the starting pitching roles,
we wouldn't have to give up ourentire system. I think we can get
to an AL championship in a WorldSeries with one more or two more pitching
(17:22):
roles. I'm always down for pitching, y'all know me. Appreciate you.
Garrett Green's point, well up againstit a little bit. I'm always down
for pitching. I'm not even gonnaget on my soapbox about how do your
start. I'm gonna leave it be. The Astros are in a good position
there within striking distance. They're goingto play a team this weekend that I
wonder if the Rangers are, youknow, ten e them twelve games out
(17:42):
and we're talking towards the deadline.Would they blow it up and could we
grab some arms from their staff?Just something that we'll keep in the back
of our heads.
To the neck to the Dutch roll. This is next up. You kind
of hit on everything I wanted tosay with Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy on
Sports Talk seven ninety. Definitely,you know, the more opportunities to get,
the more comfortable you get, justtrying to go out there, dude,
do a good job trying to helpour team win of ball games.
(00:21):
Anyway I can, you know,I honestly I take it bitch by bitch.
You know I had back anybody anysofic fight I can help us win.
We're half an hour into a Fridayedition. The next up here on
Sports Talk seven ninety your Home inHouston sports of course, that includes Astros
Baseball. Stros back in action tonighton Deck Show, beginning at six pm,
(00:41):
First Pitch taking place shortly after sevenNew to the station. New to
the show, Stan Fleet, meGordy him and you. Feel free to
get in touch with us courtesy ofat Sports Talk seven ninety, our social
media handle on the ACTS platform.You can also give us a shout seven
one three two one two five sevenninety. That voice was John Singleton First
Basement of the Astros as first basehas been a topic of conversation. For
(01:04):
the majority of this season, Singletonis doing I'd say, probably as good
as he can on both sides,I'd say, at the play and in
the field, and I do appreciateand respect his effort. There's a thought
that if indeed Dana Brown is ableto go grab a first basement as we
approach the trade deadline. We areunder three weeks now from the trade deadline.
(01:32):
John Singleton's still gonna be on theroster. He's not going anywhere.
So it's not like either or atleast that's how I see it. This
is finding somebody that can compliment,or better yet, somebody that's better than
Singleton that he could compliment. That'sif you're gonna make a trade for somebody,
especially somebody the caliber of Black Guerreroor Pete Lanzo, like that guy's
(01:56):
gonna be the every day first baseman. I mean, John might play once
one day a week. This iswhat I'm talking about, Yes, one
day a week at first base.But like you know, I don't think
it would necessarily be a twitch situationif it was that. Now, maybe
there's a guy that's, like,you know, there's a guy who's already
platooning on a bad team that youwould get and be a little bit of
an upgrade. But he would justpulla tune with Singleton. I can see
(02:16):
that, you know. But mypoint is Singleton's not getting released. There
are some people that he's I'm listeningto these this is what I'm saying,
so like there are some people callingit to the tenth Innis show, like,
oh, well we you know,we like John and John has been
all right, let's go to Baytownright now, east side of the city.
I hope the power was up andrunning over there. Let's go Kobe
(02:36):
in Baytown. Good morning to you, sir. Yeah, thanks Sam.
Power is back up here. It'sactually been up since Tuesday. We were
one of the one of the luckypeople. But unfortunately other people across the
other part of the city of Houstonnot as lucky. So keeping them in
our prayers and everyone of course neardowntown. But yeah, John, John
(02:59):
Singleton is a very solid first baseman. He is better than you can ask
for. So I'm second hired ofpeople saying, oh, we need to
release John Singleton. We need toget a better first baseman. John Singleton
is sort of a bridge player forsomething else, and everyone's talking about how
we need to trade for a firstbaseman. There's no need to trade for
(03:22):
a first for a first baseman.Joey Lopers go ahead, and I'm sorry
to finish that thought. You're gonnasay, Joey lowb. Joey Loperfito is
also as needed to as a firstbaseman. So John Singleton isn't going to
be around anymore. I feel likewe could just move Joey Lopafita the first
base in their future. Koby,if you, if you watch and Gordy,
(03:42):
you know, we all watch thesegames. The organization views Joey Lopafido
exclusively. Think he's played what Gordyone game at first base? They've had
every album owns an outfielder. Now, I want to ask you this,
Cobe on the way out, andthen I'll go to Gordon to finish this
question up. Kobe, and theAstros win the AL, not the Division?
(04:03):
Can they win AL and get toanother World Series with John Singleton at
first base? Do you believe that? Uh? Not John Singleton alone,
but if if John Singleton is gonnaperform like he has been all season,
then yes, I do think theAstros could win the al all right,
(04:23):
appreciate Kob and Beytown. I lookat it as the other way, like
a lot or two years ago,twenty twenty two, Martin Meldonado was batting
one eighty six. If we hadsaid that year, can this Aster's team
win a World Series with their catcherbatting one to eighty six the worst in
baseball? We you know, somepeople probably said no, But the the
(04:46):
correct answer to that is I justneed him to do something every now and
then. But really, if I'mgoing to win the World Series, it's
gotta be Al Tuo, Vey Bregman, Jordan Tucker, Peyna, It's gotta
be those guys, right. Imean Singleton again again, If you had
a great first baseman, yes hecould be. If it's a Vlad grow
yes he would absolutely be a piece. But we can't ask that John Singleton.
We're just ask him to be him. And he's doing okay. He's
(05:08):
been all the pack in baseball likehe's doing fine. So I don't think
that is gonna make or break theanswers win a World Series. To win
a World Series this year, theygot to get great pitching. The bullpen's
got to be nails and your starhitters have to be stars. The reason
in win the World Series? Lastyear, What's your Name is? Stan?
Kyle Tucker was abysmal in the postseason. If Kyle Horner was good,
(05:30):
this team maybe wins Game six orseven. This team maybe is probably back
in a World Series. So andI'm not putting it all in Kyle Tucker,
but I'm just saying those are theguys that got to perform. Single
to gives me something question. Canthe Askers win a World Series with John
single there first? Yes? Canthe Astros win a World Series if Jordon
goes one for thirty four? No, he's not. Here's why I push
back specifically this season, specifically onJohn Singleton, because we're now seeing Jordon
(05:57):
get dinged up, which we seeevery year. Tucker, what is he
going to be like? We'll offerupdates on him coming up here in just
a second. What is Tuck gonnabe like the remainder this season? Given
that I think the leg is fracturedat some point, but finally when he
gets back, Like, you canonly have a drop off at certain points.
You can have Martin Maldonaldo when yougot your and on and those other
(06:19):
guys doing what they do now.Tuck's not at his best. Yawn one
is getting nicked up. How's hegonna finish? I think if there's an
opportunity to improve first base, youdo it. We spend a lot of
time about pitching. I think theyshould do that too, Gordon, I'm
allow you to do this because yousent it to us. A man that
I used to work with, JimBowden, of we went in the Nationals
(06:42):
organization. He was the GM StanCasting was the president when I was there
at the Nationals when we were buildingNationals Park. I learned a lot from
Jim Bolden about the game of baseball. He's now with the Athletic giving his
opinions on what the Astro should do. Bolden is hearing things. Gordy,
you sent this to us. I'mgonna let you do that part. Yeah.
Just uh. He's over to theAthletic and he he kind of wrote
a little blog on each each teamin baseball and just kind of what the
(07:08):
latest rumbling thirty team stand on MLBtrade deadline moves heading into the All Star
break. Yeah, and so onthe Astros. He says, this Astro's
GM data, Brown's made it clearto other front offices. He's focused on
adding a veteran starter and impact longor short term solution at first base.
He has talked to the following Metsabout pitcher Luis Severino and first base in
(07:30):
Pete Locks. Yeah. Again,this is just discuss nothing happening gets me
excited. He has talked with theDiamondbacks about first base and Christian Walker.
He's talked with the Cubs about CodyBell and John who I believe is injured.
I think he got hurt the otherday, but we hate him.
Yeah, he had a lot tosay about the He's kind of a d
(07:50):
bag, but he's play first base. And then Andrew Vaughan of the White
Sox is the name we brought upto that we like, you know,
in all these guys different situations.You know, Pete A Lonzo is a
slugger who's you know, in ain a final year of his deal.
Andrew Vaughan is a young guy,still a team control. So I mean,
they're all different guys in the askingprice would be different on all these
(08:11):
guys, but you see it rightthere. They have had phone calls about
first baseman. Uh, and thenhe goes on to say. In terms
of starters, the askers have showninterest in Garrett Crochet, which I think
that's absolutely I mean, yeah,they're gonna go Jake Bloss, Joey Loo,
what else? The other names they'vethey've been in the mix for Eric
(08:35):
Fetti, Jack Flaherty, Chris Bassett, You say, Kacucci, Kevin Gossman,
cal Quantrell. I really like calQuanto. He's been a bad spot
in Colorado, Austin Gomber among others. But Jack Flaherty's name keeps popping up.
I think Roflow brought up his nameyesterday on Shaun Show. So that's
just you know, those are justsome of the names being flowed out there.
(08:56):
Doesn't mean the Asters are training forany of those people. It just
means they've had phone calls in conversationsand this is what Hey, what would
it take? What would it taketo get this guy? Uh? On
the way out? We'll come back. I'll take your phone call seven one
three two one two five seven ninety. The Astros injury updates we need to
get to as well. A coupleof you want to sound off on John
Singleton in his recent performance at FirstBase in absence of Jose Brady the thing
(09:18):
that jumps out there at what JimBowden of the Athletic posting and what Gordy
Jess referenced. General manager Dana Brownfocused on adding a veteran starter and impact
long or short term solution at firstbase. He's keeping all of his options
open. That is news to myears on the other side, Gordon and
(09:39):
I will continue. Let's wrap upour one on a Friday, Sports Talk
seven ninety Do it again, Ontodone, next to What's next as more
of next Up continues now on SportsTalk seven ninety home of your World Champion
Houston Astro. Yeah. Man,it's a Friday. Doesn't feel like a
(10:03):
normal week. It's been a longgas week for many of you. God
bless you. I know you stillcompromise in your living arrangements, and all
I can do is pray and supportthe people that are responsible for trying to
get you out of that situation.Hang out with us. We'll do what
we can and keep your mind offof it. Maybe you'll laugh, maybe
we'll piss you off. That's fine. It just won't be thinking about it
(10:24):
being whatever. It is. Kindof great. Overcast today, temperatures down,
not up that heat indexing up towhere it can get. Here in
the city of Houston, best cityin the country. I tell you that
each and every day. I don'tknow what the hell is going on with
y'all. Seven one three, twoone two five seven ninety we're talking Astros
baseball. We'll pivot get some textingstuff. Here in the eleven o'clock hour,
(10:46):
the Astros had won nine consecutive homegames, Gordon three game win streak,
five games above five hundred for thefirst time this season, three a
third straight series sweep at Minute MayPark, and we start talking about first
base. And John Singleton has gottenour lines lit here in the studio.
What is John Singleton somehow becoming somebleeping folk hey role in the city of
(11:07):
Houston. Well, just understand howbad the Jose Brave j was. It
was bad. John. Let's goto the phones. Go ahead, people
talking about John Singleton, Joe andclear, lay, are you John Singleton's
cousin or something? What the hellis going on with your affair with John
Singleton? I don't you know.John Singleton is a very good defensive first
(11:28):
base. No stop this. JohnSingleton is very good at anything except being
a dad. He's pretty good,very good. He's solid. Let's not
get carried away here, very solid. For he's a very solid there we
go. Now we're good, okay, And he's got a good eye at
the play. He's not a problemright now. The problem we have is
(11:50):
we need a starting picture. They'renot gonna be here, you know.
Jim Crane's got m he's not gonnapay for a first baseman and shore up
a number two, were number threeor number four starter that you look through
out the years. Let your starsbe stars. We've got a good surrounding
cast at talent, Low Perfeno,Cabbage. Let's in the other guys.
I think six through nine hitters leadthe major leagues right now in the astros
(12:13):
as far as in the top two. So let the stars be stars.
We're going to go get some pitching. Leave John single plonge platoon in Low
Perfino. I'm not a big fanof John Singles, but he's did a
good job. Appreciate Joe at clearLake again, Low Pafito's not going back
to first. That's gonna be MauricioDubon on occasion in John Singleton until they
(12:35):
go get some help. John's beenall right, y'all acting late Bertman or
something. What's going on here?Alex and guard Oaks? You ready to
put John Singleton in the Hall ofFame too? Look you're being part on.
The man was out of baseball foreight years and he came back last
(12:58):
year. He had two homers agame and that told me the man has
power. But he couldn't get anysingles. I mean, he was just
terrible. Now look at him.He's put thirty thirty five points on his
ironage. He makes spectacular plays attimes at first base, and he's got
power. I'm predicting if you givethe man a chance to seventy five with
(13:20):
homers between twenty five and thirty.Wow, he is a good, solid
man. He's matured now. Heacted like an instant, like an idiot
when he was a young player.Yes, now look at he's doing better
than McCormick or equal to what's hisname, h Jake the rake Take the
(13:41):
rake he's hitting. I mean,the man's hitting two forty five. What
he want from him? He's coming. He's proving himself. Give the man
a chan. I appreciate it.Alan and Guardoes, Gordon oh Ale,
excuse me, gordew I'm not tryingto run Singleton off the roster. I'm
just saying he's playing well, thisis the best version of Johnson Ingleton we've
seen. I'm okay with that,and that's what. But if I can
(14:03):
upgrade the position, I have tolook at that. Sure, but you
also have to have a You haveto if you're Dana Brown, you have
to be smart about it. Youknow, you can't just go whatever you
want, you know what I mean, Like you always say that. Nobody
says that, but but some fansare like that. Some fans are like
scall In Chips all In, Yeswe are, but do you also want
to be the Astros fan two yearsfrom now going he we're dead again?
(14:26):
Like we want to sustain success whilealso being super competitive. Right now,
if I can go get vlat GarrillJunior, who has another year up team
option, but I'm going to extendhim to keep him here long term,
I'm willing to go do that.So that's just one example. If there
was a way to go get him, I'm willing. I'm willing to pay
him money. Let's look at thefacts. Is he a great player?
(14:46):
Yes? Would he make you better? Yes? Okay, great. We
can all agree on that. Noone disagrees with that. The question is
what does Toronto want? And Torontoain't looking at you and going, don't
know. Chas McCormick. Sure,Dana Brown, only, it's going to
hurt when you give up something togo get a play of that magnitude,
especially with a year team control.It's going to be something and we go.
(15:07):
But I'm just telling you, yeah, you say it all the time.
Score run, score, runs BlackGarel Jr. Is going to do
better than Johnson, help us around. I'm bringing it up back to Dana
Brown was brought in here for onemajor reason to restock this farm system that
was depleted. And last year hehad to make a tough, tough,
uh you know, decision to tradeaway one of their top outfill prospects to
(15:31):
bring Justin verlanderback. I like thetrade. I'm fine with it. It
gave him a chance. It depletedone of your best prospects in the system.
And so again when we look atthis list of Jacob Melton, who's
in two A doing his thing.Bryce Matthews, your first round pick from
last year in two ATO, whocould be the future replacement at third base,
when Bregman leaves, like aj blueBall, who's doing great Triple A
(15:54):
like, these are all pieces I'drather, you know, given the option,
I want to hold on to theseguys. I want to hold on
a lot, Brafito. I'm aboutwhat reasonably can I do to get another
championship over thatt minute may Park,because that's what these fans, including Garrett
and Green's point. They pay theirmoney and they use their time that could
be allotted to other places to supportthis team. Garrett and grease Port,
(16:15):
you're next up. How's it going, guys? Right? What up?
Uh? So, what I'm heresaying is we're talking about these big first
basement names Lattie, Pete Alonso.But yeah, I mean we're gonna have
to give up a lot of talent, which we've already given up when we
see some clear issues in the startingpitching role with the injuries and I mean,
don't get me started on Lance mccullors, but you know we're seeing low
(16:38):
Perfedo in the outfield making catches ofthe year. We don't need him in
the infield. Let's keep him inthe outfield at the backup piece when Kyle
Tucker's not in there. But whenyou're looking at John Singleton, he's gotten
fifty points better than each of hislast best seasons, and I can only
see I mean, I don't knowabout you guys, but I could see
in the playoffs, John Singleton hittinga big nuke up in the right field
(16:59):
when we need it. So Idon't see us needing to really go get
active at the first base position.But when we're talking about the starting pitching
role, I think the Garrett Crochetes. I mean, that's a big guy.
But maybe looking at some other bignames at the starting pitching roles,
we wouldn't have to give up ourentire system. I think we can get
to an AL championship in a WorldSeries with one more or two more pitching
(17:22):
roles. I'm always down for pitching, y'all know me. Appreciate you.
Garrett Green's point, well up againstit a little bit. I'm always down
for pitching. I'm not even gonnaget on my soapbox about how do your
start. I'm gonna leave it be. The Astros are in a good position
there within striking distance. They're goingto play a team this weekend that I
wonder if the Rangers are, youknow, ten e them twelve games out
(17:42):
and we're talking towards the deadline.Would they blow it up and could we
grab some arms from their staff?Just something that we'll keep in the back
of our heads.
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